Changes in adiposity and fat tissue distribution among preschool children from Kraków, Poland, from 2008 to 2018
Magdalena Żegleń1, Łukasz Kryst1, Małgorzata Kowal1
1Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, University of Physical Education in Kraków, Poland.
Insights
Excess adiposity is a global health issue. Between 2008 and 2018, Polish preschool children showed lower overall body fat but increased central fat distribution, raising metabolic and cardiovascular disease risks.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Public Health
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Excess adiposity presents a significant global public health challenge.
- Changes in living conditions contribute to rising obesity rates worldwide.
- Understanding pediatric body fat distribution is crucial for long-term health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate shifts in body fat ratio among Polish preschool children (3-7 years) from 2008 to 2018.
- To analyze changes in skinfold thickness and adiposity indices over a decade.
- To identify trends in fat distribution (central vs. peripheral) in young children.
Main Methods:
- Two cross-sectional studies conducted in 2008 and 2018 in Kraków, Poland.
- Measurement of skinfold thicknesses (triceps, calf, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac).
- Calculation of adiposity using Slaughter's equations, trunk adiposity index, and limbs-to-trunk fat ratio.
- Statistical analysis using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests.
Main Results:
- The 2008 cohort exhibited greater lower-limb adiposity compared to the 2018 cohort.
- The 2018 cohort displayed increased trunk adiposity and a higher tendency for central fat allocation.
- Despite lower overall adiposity in 2018, a concerning shift towards central fat distribution was observed.
Conclusions:
- Preschool children in Poland experienced a decade of changing body fat composition.
- Increased central adiposity, even with lower overall body fat, is a negative trend.
- This central fat distribution pattern in children is linked to elevated risks for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.
Abstract:
In the light of changes in the living conditions of populations, excess adiposity is currently a serious public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the body fat ratio among preschool children aged 3-7 years from Kraków, Poland, between 2008 and 2018. The study group consisted of children examined in two cross-sectional studies. Analysed characteristics included triceps, calf, subscapular, abdominal and suprailiac skinfold thicknesses, and adiposity calculated according to Slaughter's equations. The trunk adiposity index and limbs-to-trunk fat ratio were also calculated. Statistical significance was obtained using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. Lower-limb adiposity was largest in the 2008 cohort and trunk adiposity was greater in the 2018 cohort. The mean values of the trunk adiposity index and limbs-to-trunk fat ratio were lower in the 2018 cohort than in the 2008 cohort. The 2018 cohort was also characterized by a lower overall adiposity. Regardless of the lower body adiposity percentage, in 2018 there was a tendency towards the central allocation of fat tissue. This is a negative phenomenon because, especially when co-existing with reduced lower-limb adiposity, it is associated with an increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, even in young children.
